Good news for parents and educators alike—Massachusetts' investment in early education is paying off. According to recent data released by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, there's been a marked improvement in the state's child care sector stability and capacity, thanks to the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program. The report indicates that over 8,000 programs supported by C3 this fiscal year have seen gains in employment for over 42,000 educators and maintenance of affordability for families.
Statewide, the number of licensed early education and care programs has continued its upward trajectory. Assisted by the C3 program, Massachusetts added more than 7,500 center-based and family child care seats last year, expanding beyond the pre-pandemic licensed capacity by over 22,000 seats. "Because of our investments in child care, more Massachusetts children are getting a high-quality early education, more parents can go back to work, and more hardworking educators have good jobs." "These results show why it was so important that we are the only state in the nation to preserve the C3 program’s full funding and make it permanent, and we’re going to continue working to make child care more affordable for every family," According to the city's press release.
The January meeting of the Board of Early Education and Care was the platform for sharing these updates, which detailed program and application revisions for fiscal year 2026. The current C3 funding formula, approved last October after extensive public commentary, guides state funding allocation to support operational costs and, significantly, staff compensation. With an increase of more than 20% in educator compensation since the grant's inception, the annual rate at which educators leave their roles has decreased from 28% in 2021-22 to 20% in 2024-25.
Furthermore, in surveys conducted in May and September 2025, over 86% of licensed and funded early education and care programs reported on their use of C3 funds, with nearly 80% investing in workforce-related expenses, such as payroll and benefits. "These results reflect what Governor Healey and I hear from providers and families across the state: sustained, predictable funding makes a real difference." "C3 has helped programs grow, retain educators, and hold down costs for families, all while strengthening local economies. This stability is critical as we continue to rebuild and expand the child care sector beyond the pandemic." Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said in a statement obtained by the Massachusetts official website. The feedback from program providers underscores the value of the program, as 75% confirm C3 funding has had a positive effect on family affordability, with nearly half delaying planned tuition increases as a result.
The data paints a hopeful picture for the future of child care in Massachusetts, one where investments in the workforce, quality, and affordability may yield material benefits for educators and the families they serve. The success and stability of the C3 program, according to Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw, signify that "These findings demonstrate that sustained public investment is driving growth, reducing staff turnover, and contributing directly to better economic outcomes for families and the Commonwealth.." According to the same press release.
The C3 program was initially established to distribute federal child care stabilization funds. As that funding approached its end, the Healey administration, with support from the Legislature, moved to make the program permanent. The fiscal year 2026 budget includes a $475 million allocation for the program, aimed at supporting early childhood education providers and helping offset child care costs for Massachusetts families.
